Kyle Busch has died after hospitalization for a severe illness on May 21. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Brickyard 400 winner was 41.
His death came just hours after Busch’s family released a statement on Thursday saying he had been hospitalized with a severe illness and would not compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway for this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600.
A cause of death has yet to be released.
The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR released a joint statement regarding the passing of one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.
“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch,” the statement began.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.
“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”
Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith issued the following statement:
“Kyle Busch was a champion among champions — a once-in-a-generation competitor whose grit, unmistakable driving style and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated him to a place among the very best drivers in our sport. When Kyle climbed behind the wheel, he brought an intensity and determination that demanded respect from his competitors and inspired fans throughout motorsports.
“At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle etched his name in history, earning more victories across NASCAR’s top three series than any other driver in our sport, highlighted by his victory in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600. Many of his remarkable 234 NASCAR victories came at Speedway Motorsports tracks where his talent and competitive spirit created countless memorable moments for more than two decades.
“Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in NASCAR, Kyle’s passion for racing extended deeply into dirt racing and U.S. Legend Car competition, where he proudly shared the track with his son, Brexton. Away from the race track, Kyle was a savvy businessman, a devoted father and a loyal friend whose impact was felt far beyond the sport.
“Our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences, prayers and unwavering support as they mourn the loss of someone who meant so much to so many.”
During a NASCAR Cup Series race on May 10 at Watkins Glen, Busch radioed to his crew requesting medical aid from Dr. Bill Heisel and a “shot” after the race.
According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was further hindered by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the famed road course in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
Busch continued to race and finished eighth.
He won NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019. Busch was in his fourth season at Richard Childress Racing after winning championships at Joe Gibbs Racing.
His last win came in 2023, his first win with RCR.
Busch owns 63 Cup Series wins, 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series triumphs and 69 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles also issued a statement Thursday evening.
“Everyone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kyle Busch. Kyle was one of the most dominant racers in IMS history, highlighted by back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 victories in 2015 and 2016, making history by sweeping both the Cup and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races in those years,” Boles said. “He won a record four O’Reilly Series races at the Racing Capital of the World and made his 700th career Cup Series start in the 30th anniversary 2024 Brickyard 400 at IMS – a significant career milestone.
“He was a fan favorite, loved for his competitive spirit and passion. He understood what racing and winning at Indianapolis means. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Samantha, children Brexton and Lennix, the entire Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire NASCAR family.”
Chevrolet and Toyota both issued statements on Thursday night.
“The shocking news of Kyle’s passing is devastating to me, and to everyone at Chevrolet and General Motors,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “Our hearts go out to Samantha, their children Brexton and Lennix and the Busch family, everyone at RCR, Kyle’s legions of fans and all of Rowdy Nation. He was a fierce competitor who found success both as a driver and team owner, as well as a generous benefactor to countless families with the Bundle of Joy Fund he founded with his wife, Samantha. On top of all that, he found time to be a true friend to us all.”
Tyler Gibbs, President of Toyota Racing Development said, “Kyle was an incredible champion who demanded perfection every single day due to his deep desire to win. Kyle and Toyota were synonymous with winning for 15 years, with countless record-breaking milestones, race victories and multiple championships celebrated together. While there were many exciting moments spent in victory lane, Kyle’s personal relationship with the entire Toyota family was even more memorable.
“His impact on NASCAR and the whole motorsports community cannot be measured. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix and the entire Busch family during this difficult time.”
Team owner Rick Hendrick, who gave Busch his first shot at Cup Series racing, also issued a statement.
“This is an incredibly painful shock for all of us and a heartbreaking loss for the NASCAR family,” Hendrick said. “Kyle was one of the most talented drivers I’ve ever seen and a racer in the truest sense of the word. He had a fire and competitive spirit that drove him to be great. I watched Kyle grow up in this sport and valued the friendship we shared long after he drove for our organization. As much as he loved to drive a race car, nothing brought him more joy than being a husband, a father and watching his son race. On behalf of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, our hearts are with Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, Kurt and the Busch family.”